Our work in Whitstable

The Labour Party has nearly 800 members and is continuing to grow. We are a diverse group of local people who believe our communities deserve better than a Conservative Government and their aggressive cuts to our public services and their failed economic plan.

The Constituency Labour Party meets quarterly but is supported by two branches, one in Canterbury and one in Whitstable who run local campaigns.

The Whitstable Labour Club is an independently run and managed members-only bar serving the Grimshill Estate and Central Whitstable. The club regularly hosts our meetings, fundraising events and provides a venue from which we can meet members and the local community.

News

Libraries Day in Whitstable, Saturday 6th Feb, 11am to midday

Libraries Day is going ahead on Saturday as planned by Richard Stainton who sadly died suddenly on 4 January. The day will be organised by Victoria Falconer from WhitLit, from 11am to mid-day. There will be condolence/remembrance books placed in the WIT and Whitstable Library shortly in commemoration of Richard's life.

Labour Opposes Boundary Review

As Labour councillors we are most concerned about the reduced electoral influence Canterbury voters will have resulting from the current review of Parliamentary boundaries.

Through sharp political practice by the Conservative Party, power will shift away from the young, the mobile and those living in rented accommodation towards those who are older, settled and home owners. Of course this is designed to benefit the Conservatives.

Oval Chalet Update

Campaigners have 21 days to appeal after the High Court's decision to allow the development to go ahead.

The Labour Party fully supports the Oval Chalet Preservation Community Group (OCPCG) in its campaign to ensure that any development of the Oval site (which is located behind the old Green & Knight Tile Warehouse on Sea Street and along the beach front at Reeves Beach Whitstable) includes a raised open public space for a town square overlooking the sea.

Ovalgate - the plot thickens

Here is the full text of my speech to yesterday’s meeting of the Regeneration and Property Committee (I had to cut it down on delivery). Shamefully, the committee decided against any action on the Chief Executive’s report, riding roughshod over the clearly expressed desire of the people of Whitstable Gorrell, its Councillors and ex-Councillors. The upside is that the town is united in its horror that such an iconic site should have been sold for